I'd really like to learn to crochet, and I know hardly anything about it, so I was wondering what books you guys would recommend? I was searching at www.bordersstores.com and a book called Pick Up Crochet by Sue Whiting came up, it was a really good price so I'm also wondering if anyone has reviews for that. Thanks

When i was learning to knit i bought a kit from Michaels (i think, but i have also seen it at Walmart too) called "i taught myself to knit". they have a crochet counter part called "i taught myself to crochet". It has an intruction book with a few patterns (not the hippest patterns but pretty easy for beginners) and it comes with a few hooks to get started. That might be a good idea if youre just learning to see if you like it first before buying something more expensive. Oh it also has a section for lefthanded crocheters.

My mom taught me how to crochet once upon a time (10+ yrs ago), and when I decided to pick it up again I bought the SnB Happy Hooker book by Debbie Stoller.

It's very easy to follow, covers quite a few different stitches, and has some cute patterns. And not only does it give in-depth explanation of how to make the stitches, it even explains how to read and follow crochet patterns (which can get a little confusing if you're not used to them).

I also learned from the Happy Hooker - for the most part it was very clear, and when I didn't understand something I also looked online for instructions/pictures/videos. I think it's better to have at least one other set of instructions just in case something is worded funny or the diagrams don't make sense. All of the projects I've tried in the book are really easy too (well, except the ladylike gloves, which I still can't figure out.)

If you do get into crochet, I picked up "the Crochet Answer Book" and it is a really useful reference!

I'm fairly proficient in crochet, and I taught myself from The Happy Hooker. Like the other posters have mentioned, it has thorough instructions for the basic stitches, increasing, and decreasing. It also shows some specialty stitches (mesh, fishnet, bobble, etc) that are made using the basic stitches. I think it's less than $11 on Amazon. The patterns are also adorable (and pretty easy). There's a board for projects just from this book in the crochet forums if you want to check out some of the finished pieces.

A couple other books I've found useful are Cozy Crochet and Amazing Crochet Lace.

I refer to Australian websites to get tips on how to crochet. A lot of the books you talk about are done in the US system so I am endeavouring to find just one website that can convert all the different stitches and terms for me.

Personally, I like the Teach Yourself to Crochet Visually and The Crochet Answer Book is a MUST HAVE for anyone who crochets! I love it. What I've found is that while I'm an advanced crocheter, you just never know how someone is going to write a pattern or what they assume that you already know. I like patterns that just lay it all out there step by step--I do love The Happy Hooker and I've made so many things from it! A warning on that book--there are a lot of mistakes, so before you start something, go to the errata page for it. I keep a copy of it with the book.